Delph is in a gang of players left in the UK and out of any first team plans by Pep Guardiola as Man City go on a pre-season trip to the United States.

But the 27-year-old midfielder, who joined from Aston Villa for £8m two years ago, still needs to sort out contractual issues before being allowed to leave, either on a long-term loan or on a permanent deal for about £10m.

Hughes wants to bring in another central midfielder after letting club stalwart Glenn Whelan join Villa for a fee that could rise to £1.5m. Stoke City are also open to serious offers for Giannelli Imbula, who continues to be linked with moves to France, Italy and Turkey.

But progress on bringing in Delph, also reportedly wanted by West Brom, has not been quick.